Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.

Fukuoka

After breakfast, we will have free time in Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu.
12:00 p.m. (approx.) – We will meet with our guide and the rest of the group to head to Canal City Hakata, a modern and extensive shopping complex crossed by an artificial canal that provides a relaxed atmosphere and features fountain shows every 30 minutes. You will have free time to walk around and have lunch.

Afterward, we will visit Tocho-ji Temple, founded in the year 806, famous for its five-story pagoda, its large Buddha statue, and the depiction of the goddess Senju Kannon (the female deity with a thousand arms).

Free time after the visit.

Fukuoka- Dazaifu Tenmangu- Nagasaki

Total distance covered: 166 km
Scenery: Urban and rural landscapes of northern Kyushu, featuring green hills, farming areas, and historic towns.

8:00 a.m. – Fukuoka – Departure.
We head toward one of Japan’s most important spiritual centers.

9:15 a.m. – Dazaifu Tenmangu – Arrival. This emblematic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and ponds, the site is famous for its over 6,000 plum trees, whose blossoms attract many visitors in late winter. The shrine is especially popular among students, who come to pray for academic success.

10:45 a.m. – Dazaifu Tenmangu – Departure toward Nagasaki.
1:00 p.m. – Nagasaki – Arrival. We arrive in this historic city, sadly known for being destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. We’ll begin by visiting Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest Christian church, dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki. This church, which blends Gothic architecture with local design elements, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region". Free time for lunch in Chukagai, Japan’s most vibrant Chinatown, with its colorful pedestrian street filled with restaurants and food stalls.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum (admission included), offering a powerful reflection on the horrors of war. Next, we’ll head to the Peace Park, where we’ll admire moving sculptures donated by countries around the world as symbols of hope.

Finally, we’ll visit the Dejima area, a former artificial island that, for centuries, served as Japan’s only gateway for international trade. We’ll explore its historical reconstruction (admission included).

Nagasaki- Unzen Jigoku- Shimabara- Kumamoto

Total distance covered: 119 km.
Scenery: a journey through volcanic and coastal regions of the island of Kyushu. We will pass through mountainous areas, geothermal fields, views of the Ariake Sea, and evolving urban landscapes.

Note: we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the visit to Unzen Jigoku.

07:30 a.m. – Nagasaki – Departure toward the Shimabara Peninsula, a volcanic region dominated by Mount Unzen.

08:45 a.m. – Unzen Jigoku – Arrival at this geothermal area with steam vents, bubbling pools of boiling mud, and a distinctive sulfur smell. We will walk “through the hells,” as this area is popularly known, which in the 17th century was the setting of Christian persecution, during which many were martyred through torture using volcanic steam.

09:45 a.m. – Unzen Jigoku – Departure for the port of Shimabara.

11:05 a.m. – Shimabara – Ferry departure for a crossing of approximately 45 minutes across the Ariake Sea (scheduled time, subject to change).

12:00 p.m. – Shimabara (scheduled time, subject to change) – Ferry departure toward Kumamoto.

01:45 p.m. – Kumamoto – Arrival. Free time in the shopping area near the castle to stroll and have lunch. Afterwards, we will visit Kumamoto Castle (admission included), considered one of the three great castles of Japan, famous for its black towers and massive stone walls, some of which are still undergoing reconstruction following the 2016 earthquake.
We will then visit Suizenji Jojuen (admission included), a landscaped garden from the Edo period that recreates mountains, lakes, and other elements of the Japanese landscape in miniature. Free time at the end of the visit in this modern city.

Kumamoto- Mount Aso- Yufuin- Beppu

Total distance covered: 156 km
Scenery: impressive volcanic panoramas, lava fields, fertile valleys, rice paddies, and mountain routes with lush vegetation.

Note: we recommend wearing suitable walking shoes for this stage of the journey.

07:30 a.m. – Kumamoto – Departure toward one of Japan’s most impressive natural wonders.

09:00 a.m. – Mount Aso – Arrival at one of the country’s most active and spectacular volcanoes. We will take a shuttle from the base of the volcano up to the crater. Its caldera, one of the largest in the world, measures approximately 25 km in diameter. Inside the caldera rise several volcanic peaks, the most active being Mount Nakadake, from which we can admire an impressive steaming sulfur lake surrounded by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Free time.

Very important note: at times, for safety reasons related to volcanic activity, access to Mount Nakadake may be restricted.

10:30 a.m. – Mount Aso – Departure for Yufuin.

12:30 p.m. – Yufuin – Arrival in this charming onsen town, set in a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields. Free time to enjoy a coffee and stroll through its picturesque streets.

02:30 p.m. – Yufuin Onsen – Departure for Beppu.

03:30 p.m. – Beppu – Arrival in this city famous for its intense geothermal activity, with more than 3,000 hot springs. We will visit the well-known “Hells of Beppu” (admission included), starting with Umi Jigoku, renowned for its vivid blue water and beautifully landscaped gardens, and continuing to Kamado Jigoku, very popular with families for its ponds of varying colors and temperatures, decorated with demon figures.
After the visit, transfer to the hotel and free time.

Beppu- Usa Jingu- Fukuoka- Osaka

Total distance covered: 177 km
Scenery: Mountain routes, farmland, and Shinto shrines surrounded by nature. Green landscapes featuring the traditional scenery of northern Kyushu.

08:00 a.m. – Beppu: Departure towards northern Kyushu to visit a sacred site of Shintoism.
09:00 a.m. – Usa Jingu: Arrival at one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and the main one dedicated to the god Hachiman, protector of the nation. This shrine is the head of more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines found throughout Japan. Founded in the 8th century, it blends traditional architecture with expansive gardens surrounded by nature. We’ll stroll across its iconic red bridge and visit the main pavilions, set in a photogenic and deeply spiritual environment.

11:00 a.m. – Usa Jingu: Departure for Fukuoka.
1:15 p.m. – Fukuoka: Arrival around lunchtime.

From this point, we’ll take a high-speed train to Osaka. In about two and a half hours, we’ll travel nearly 600 kilometers.

Osaka: Arrival in the early afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy your stay in this modern, dynamic city — Japan’s second largest. In the evening, we’ll take a walk through Dotonbori, a lively district full of neon lights and nighttime activity.

Note: The train journey will be unaccompanied by the guide. Your guide will provide all necessary information and train tickets in advance, and upon arrival in Osaka, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Osaka - Mount Koya

Total distance covered: 106 km.

11:30 a.m. - We’ll depart from the city and head toward the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.

Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.

Notes:
-During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.
-Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods.
-Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels instead (half board provided).

Mount Koya - Kyoto

Total distance covered: 130 km.

We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.

07:15 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.

Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.

Kyoto - Tsumago - Matsumoto - Nagano

Total distance covered: 320 km.

Scenery: Beautiful countryside views.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Kyoto. We’ll set out for Tsumago, passing through picturesque rural landscapes.
11:15 a.m. - Tsumago. This charming village, renowned for its traditional wooden houses, is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore, and lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

01:30 p.m. - Departure from Tsumago.
02:45 p.m. - Matsumoto. Arrival in this vibrant city, where we’ll visit the stunning 16th-century castle, known as the “The Crow.” Afterward, enjoy free time to discover this bustling tourist hub.

05:15 p.m. - Departure from Matsumoto.
06:30 p.m. - Nagano.

Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho

Total distance covered: 160 km
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Japanese Alps.

Note: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Monkey Park.
Early in the morning, in Nagano, we’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan’s first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual to attract good fortune.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Nagano. We continue our journey through the high mountains of the Japanese Alps.

11:30 a.m. – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Arrival. We’ll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.

12:45 p.m. – Departure from the park. We travel through breathtaking high-mountain scenery (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes.

2:15 p.m. – Kusatsu – Arrival. This attractive hot-spring town is known for its lively central square. We’ll enjoy a walk through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.

5:00 p.m. – Departure from Kusatsu.

6:30 p.m. – Ikaho Onsen – Arrival. A picturesque hot-spring town where we’ll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We’ll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.

Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.

Note: On certain dates, due to local festivals, accommodation may be provided in nearby cities such as Takasaki or Maebashi, in a Western-style hotel with dinner included but without onsen facilities.

Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo

Total distance covered: 310 km.

07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
10:00 a.m. - Nikko. This enchanting town is home to remarkable cultural and historical treasures. We’ll visit the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its elaborate architecture, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its acoustic marvels. Next, we’ll explore the peaceful Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, nestled in a serene setting. Later, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a riverside path guarded by hundreds of Jizo statues. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city center.

03:30 p.m. - Departure to Tokyo.
06:30 p.m. - Tokyo.

Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.

We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.

We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.

6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.